A stage fit for the ultimate showgirl

Many countries treat the subject of global warming as an interesting topic for debate. In the Maldives, rising sea levels are a more pressing concern. This chain of 26 atolls, 450 miles southwest of Sri Lanka, is made up of 1,200 islets, of which only 200 are inhabited and most of these have luxury resorts.

Though the Maldives is growing as a holiday destination, its topographic profile is almost non-existent: according to climate-change experts, the islands are under threat of extinction if sea levels continue to rise.

You have only to set foot on one of the many dots of earth that make up this sublime necklace of islands to see that their slim land-mass is incapable of offering serious resistance to rising ocean levels. Perhaps it is the very fragility of the islands that accentuates their extraordinary, gentle beauty. Equally lovely are the Maldivian people, who are every bit as gentle and delightful as their serene country. The Maldives certainly struck a chord with me.

Escape from the spotlight

I had been busy with my show at the famous Crazy Horse revue in Paris. After it came to an end, I decided I needed a tropical beach holiday. I developed a taste for the tropics last year when I spent a few weeks in Thailand, hitting the destination spas in Phuket. It was a great experience. I loved being able to eat healthily, get massages, enjoy spa treatments and take yoga classes.

My friends kept telling me that I would love the Maldives and its spectacular resorts. I saw the brochure for Kanuhura with its fantastic over-water villas and I was hooked.

So I made my first visit to the Maldives. Kanuhura is located on the eastern rim of Lhaviyani Atoll, on its own private island. Like most Maldivian resorts, it offers laid-back luxury, all provided with wonderful Maldivian charm.

Getting to the resort is a fun adventure in itself. I loved the 40-minute flight from Male airport to the resort — one of the highlights of the trip. You get this fabulous, bird's-eye view of all the islands.

And then, suddenly, we were touching down on the calm sea next to Kanuhura.

I was immediately struck by how much effort had gone into retaining the beauty of the island. Wherever possible, they have used only natural materials in the resort's construction.

Kanuhura is surprisingly compact, measuring less than two thirds of a mile in length and about 200 yards in width.

People know me for always being dressed up, in high heels and wearing lipstick. So I love it when, once in a while, I go somewhere I don't have to do all that — where I can just bury my feet in the warm sand and relax. I really look forward to doing this at least once a year.

I'm not big on dieting. I definitely love delicious food but I use common sense. I avoid junk food and, wherever possible, choose to eat healthy, well-prepared meals. This seems to surprise a lot of people who are amazed and tell me that I "eat like a normal person".

One of the first things I was looking forward to at Kanuhura was the food. As everybody had told me, it really was delicious — another highlight of my visit.

The resort boasts that it serves "cuisines of unimaginable variety — food for romance, for relaxation, for the sheer pleasure of company". I was surprised at the number of restaurants available in such a relatively small resort but it was great to dine at a different venue, in a different setting, night after night. One night it would be Italian, the next, Thai — wonderful.

Thin Rah, the main restaurant, serves buffets for breakfast and dinner. The buffets are a work of art, especially the breakfast. My only regret was that I overslept in the mornings and missed out on the amazing spread that was on offer every morning.

I did, however, enjoy a fantastic dinner by the pool at the Olive Tree restaurant, which serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes. I also highly recommend the Veli Café, which has a deservedly high reputation for light, fresh Asian cuisine. Its signature dish is the tuna carpaccio with chilli ice.

At one with nature

Kanuhura's over-water villas — a feature of many Maldivian resorts — were as wonderful as I had hoped. Set along sun-bleached wooden pontoons, the villas have private sundecks and steps leading to the water. Stepping into the clear, blue sea, alive with shoals of brightly coloured tropical fish, was pure bliss. I also loved my villa's huge outdoor bathroom, which was incredible.

At night, I lazed in the tub, staring at the stars, which looked like necklaces of sparkling diamonds in the sky.

My main indulgence in the resort was wonderful massages and superb body treatments at the spa. At other times, I was happy as a cat, just hanging out on the beach sitting under an umbrella or at the beach bar, where guests can watch the weather change every five minutes.

The other highlight was the excellent band, which played at the bar every evening and seemed to know every pop song ever written.

Recently I spent my holidays at home in Los Angeles. I travel so much for my work that sometimes, just staying at home and cooking is a real treat. I left Michigan when I was about 11. I don't often get the chance to go back but when I do, one of my favourite trips is to go to Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, which has been a tourist destination since the 19th century. It's popular with writers and has served as the location for many Hollywood films.

There's something special about this island: motorised vehicles are banned but there are lots of horses. The scenery is breathtaking and the hotels are amazing.

There are many places I haven't been to. I would love to visit Bali and Hawaii. What appeals to me is finding a quiet beach where I can be me without all the make-up — just wandering around barefoot and completely relaxed.

But when I do this, I find that something funny happens to me. While at first I get really excited about not having to wear make-up, my resolution quickly wavers. Day One: no make-up. Day two: I slap on a little bit of something. By Day Five my lipstick is back on and I'm living the tropical dream holiday in full make-up.

I have a feeling that if I were cast away like Robinson Crusoe on a desert island I would quickly find a way to manufacture make-up. I suppose I ought to admit that I love wearing make-up. At heart, I'm a showgirl — even when I'm on holiday.